CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Study Session 3:00 PM
Regular Meeting 5:30 PM
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
City Council Chambers
68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
CALL TO ORDER
The Study Session meeting was called to order by Mayor Raymond Gregory at 3:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Raymond Gregory, Mayor
Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Nancy Ross, Councilmember
Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AGENDA FINALIZATION
There were no changes to the agenda.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no members of the public that wished to speak.
2. STUDY SESSION
A. Presentation and Update from the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network (CVDPN)
Recommendation: Receive and file the informational presentation from the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network (CVDPN) regarding disaster preparedness resources and services available to Cathedral City residents.
Mitch Brown, Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network, provide an overview on their organization. The following points were presented:
About CVDPN
CVDPN Programs at a Glance
Impact- Valley Wide
Partnerships
Looking Ahead Together
The Bottom Line: Win-win
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by Mr.
Brown and staff.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
B. Annual Rate Increase Request for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection for Residential, Commercial and Roll-Off Services
Recommendation: The annual rate increase request for solid waste and recycling collection for residential, commercial and roll-off services is presented to the City Council for discussion, comments and direction in preparation of a rate increase public hearing and City Council approval at the June 10, 2026, City Council meeting
Deanna Pressgrove, Environmental Conservation and Public Works Manager, provided an overview of the Annual Rate Increase Request for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection for Residential, Commercial and Roll- Off Services. The following points were presented:
Background
Commercial Customers
Residential Customers
Residential Rate Comparison
Summary of Programs
Community Programs
Outreach and Support
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff and Frank Orlette, Vice President for Burrtec.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
C. Presentation to Introduce the Local Roadway Safety Plan Recommendation: The Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) is presented to the City Council for information, discussion, and direction.
Armando Baldizzone, City Engineer, and Iteris provided an overview of the Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP). The following points were presented:
Background
LRSP Purpose
Collision Data Analysis
Key Findings
Stakeholder Input
Priority Intersections Identified
Priority Projects
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff and Mr. Brown.
This item was a presentation only, and there was no formal action taken by the City Council.
3. CLOSED SESSION
There were no closed session items.
Mayor Gregory adjourned the Study Session portion of the meeting at 4:08 p.m.
RECESS
REGULAR MEETING - 5:30 PM
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Raymond Gregory at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Christina Gordon.
INVOCATION (MOMENT OF REFLECTION)
Councilmember Rita Lamb offered the Invocation.
ROLL CALL
Council Present:
Raymond Gregory, Mayor
Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
Rita Lamb, Councilmember
Nancy Ross, Councilmember
Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AGENDA FINALIZATION
Andrew Firestine, City Manager, announced that item 3I under the Consent Agenda would be pulled for separate consideration.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Yasmine Espinoza expressed her concern with the recent ICE activity in the Coachella Valley.
2. COUNCIL REPORTS
Councilmember Christina Gordon reported on the following:
Mental Health Awareness Month
Asian American Pacific Islander Month
The meet and greet she hosted with Patsi and City Manager Firestine The Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Event
Her participation in a video shoot for the State of the City The Taste of Jalisco flag raising and festivities
Her meeting with Fire Chief Contreras
Her attendance at the Desert Business Association Awards Her meeting with the Planning, Economic Development and Code Compliance Departments
Her attendance at the Cathedral City High School Cinco De Mayo Celebration Her attendance at the Barbara Eberheart ribbon cutting Her attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments Conference
Her attendance at the Boys and Girls Club’s Youth and Community Awards Her attendance at the Esperanza Rising event
Her attendance at the swearing in of the new Deputy Fire Chief Her attendance at the State of the City event
Councilmember Nancy Ross reported on the following:
Her various commission and committee assignments
Her monthly attendance at the Do the Right Thing Awards Palm Desert Civic Center
Her attendance at various ribbon cuttings
Her attendance at the Esperanza Rising event
Her attendance at the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery presentation
Her attendance at the State of the City event
Her attendance at the Police Department’s Homeless Outreach event Many applicants received for the Board and Commission vacancies Her attendance at the SunLine Transit BBQ event
Councilmember Rita Lamb reported on the following:
Her attendance at the Police Department’s Outreach event The Cathedral City High School Band Spring Concert
Her attendance at the Open Call event
Commissioner Erin Hylands recent activities
Her attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments Conference
The Public Safety Commission’s recent activities
The Mountains Conservancy’s recent activities
Her visit to the ABC Recovery Center
The Desert Recreation District mailer
Her attendance at the monthly Auto Dealers meeting
Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez reported on the following:
He wished everyone a happy Mother’s Day
His meeting with a property owner
His video
His development code update meeting
The various events and meetings he attended
The Taste of Jalisco event
His attendance at the Esperanza Rising event
The upcoming Harvey Milk Breakfast
Upcoming ribbon cuttings
His upcoming committee and commission meetings
Mayor Raymond Gregory reported on the following:
His attendance at various Riverside County Transportation Commission meetings
His attendance at the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Executive Committee Meeting
His attendance at the Potrero Interchange groundbreaking His participation in a tele-town hall related to transportation The Taste of Jalisco flag raising and festivities
His attendance at an Ad hoc meeting for the Coachella Valley Association of Governments related to cashflow
His participation in the Desert Business Association Awards His attendance at the Barbara Eberheart ribbon cutting His attendance at the Southern California Association of Governments Conference
His participation in the State of the City event
The upcoming Harvey Milk Breakfast
The upcoming ribbon cutting for the Circle K
The upcoming Mary Pickford Theatre Anniversary celebration The upcoming Memorial Day Holiday
3. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
Recommendation: Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda M.O. 2026-70
B. Approval of the April 22, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes.
Recommendation: To approve the April 22, 2026 Study Session and Regular Meeting Minutes.
M.O. 2026-71
C. Commissioner/Committee Member Attendance Record
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-72
D. Check Demand - April 2026
Recommendation: Receive and File
M.O. 2026-73
E. Amendment No. 3 to the On-Call Agreement for Development Support Services between the City of Cathedral City and Christiansen & Company
Recommendation: For the City Council to approve Amendment No. 3 to the On-Call Agreement for Development Support Services between the City of Cathedral City and Christiansen & Company to continue providing engineering land development management support consulting services for one (1) additional year, in the not to exceed amount of $93,000 per year; and authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3.
M.O. 2026-74
F. Resolution Adopting the City's FY 2026-27 SB-1 (RMRA) Projects Recommendation: To approve a resolution adopting the city’s FY 2026-27 Capital Improvement Program projects funded by Senate Bill 1 (SB-1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
Reso 2026-09
G. Award Community Development Block Grant Subrecipient Agreement to Fair Housing Council of Riverside County
Recommendation: To authorize the award of a subrecipient agreement to the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County (FHCRC) in the amount of $20,000 to provide fair housing services under Cathedral City’s FY 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program; approve a corresponding budget allocation of $20,000 from CDBG funds; and authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary contract documents, subject to the approval of the FY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan (AAP) by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development..
Written Comments:
The Fair Housing Council of Riverside County thanked the Council and expressed the need for affordable housing.
M.O. 2026-75
H. Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Cathedral City and Coachella Valley Water District for the Clean State Revolving Fund Septic to Sewer Planning Project
Recommendation: To approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Cathedral City and the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Septic-to- Sewer Planning Project; and authorize the City Manager to execute the MOU and any non-substantive amendments consistent with the intent of the agreement.
M.O. 2026-76
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gordon to approve items 3D-3H on the Consent Agenda.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Chrisina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
I. Authorize One-Year Extensions for Public Works Maintenance and Environmental Conservation Service Agreements
Recommendation:
To approve a one (1) year extension to the current service agreements for Public Works Maintenance and Environmental Conservation Services; and authorize the City Manager to execute all amendment documents for the following:
1. Yunex LLC for traffic signal maintenance and emergency on-call services.
2. Graffiti Protective Coating, Inc. for graffiti abatement services and on-call emergency services.
3. Desert Ants Engineering, Inc. for concrete installation, repair and maintenance services as-needed contract.
4. Student Creative Recycle Art Program (S.C.R.A.P.) Gallery for environmental educational services.
This item was removed from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration.
City Manager Firestine discussed the need to remove the proposed Desert Ants contract for further review in relation to the requirements under Assembly Bill 339.
M.O. 2026-77
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to approve a one (1) year extension to the current service agreements for Public Works Maintenance and Environmental Conservation Services; and authorize the City Manager to execute all amendment documents for the following:
1. Yunex LLC for traffic signal maintenance and emergency on-call services.
2. Graffiti Protective Coating, Inc. for graffiti abatement services and on- call emergency services.
3. Student Creative Recycle Art Program (S.C.R.A.P.) Gallery for environmental educational services.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
4. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Forest Lawn - Cathedral City Specific Plan Project - A proposal of Forest Lawn Memorial Park Association to establish the Forest Lawn - Cathedral City Specific Plan on 10 acres located on the southwest corner of Ramon Road and Da Vall Drive, including a General Plan Amendment and Change of Zone.
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act for the Forest Lawn Cathedral City Project, adopt a Resolution approving General Plan Amendment 25- 0001, and introduce ordinances adopting Change of Zone 25-0001 and Specific Plan 25-0001.
Sandra Molina, Interim Director of Community and Economic Development, provided the presentation.
This City Council asked clarifying questions and raised concerns related to parking, dust, and landscaping during and after the project is completed. Staff addressed questions and noted that the Applicant would further address the Council’s concerns and questions.
Mayor Raymond Gregory opened the Public Hearing to hear from the Applicant and receive public comments.
The Applicant team addressed questions and concerns raised by the City Council.
Mayor Gregory closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
Reso 2026-10
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to adopt a Resolution adopting the initial study/mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitoring and reporting plan program for the Forest Lawn Cathedral City City General Plan Amendment (25-0001) located on the southwest corner of Ramon Road and Da Vall Drive.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
Reso 2026-11
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to adopt a Resolution adopting General Plan Amendment 25-0001 to revise the land use designation of approximately 10 acres located on the southwest corner of Ramon Road and Da Vall Drive designated CG (General Commercial) on the General Plan Land Use Map to Neighborhood Commercial (NC).
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
M.O. 2026-78
A motion was made by Councilmember Lamb and seconded
by Councilmember Gordon to introduce for first reading, by title only, an Ordinance adopting Change of Zone 25-0001 to rezone approximately 10 acres located on the southwest corner of Ramon Road and Da Vall Drive from Planned Community Commercial to Neighborhood Business Park.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
M.O. 2026-79
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Lamb to introduce for first reading, by title only, an Ordinance adopting Specific Plan 25-0001, Establishing the Forest Lawn- Cathedral City Specific Plan and initial study, mitigated negative declaration and mitigation monitoring and reporting plan.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
The City Council recessed at 7:15 p.m.
The City Council reconvened at 7:21 p.m.
B. Approve the FY 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan
Recommendation: To approve the FY 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan (AAP) for submittal to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all required certifications; funding agreements, and related documents consistent with the FY 2026-2027 AAP.
Elizabeth Medina, Analyst I, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Mayor Gregory opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments, seeing none, he closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
M.O. 2026-80
A motion was made by Councilmember Ross and seconded
by Councilmember Lamb to approve the FY 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan (AAP) for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all required certifications; funding agreements, and related documents consistent with the FY 2026-2027 AAP.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Nancy Ross, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
C. Ordinance to Amend Cathedral City Municipal Code Chapter
8.24, Floodplain Management, Including Sections 8.24.10,
8.24.020, and 8.24.070
Recommendation: Introduce and provide first reading, by title only, and waive further reading of an ordinance amending Cathedral City Municipal Code Chapter 8.24, Floodplain Management, including Section 8.24.010 Statutory Authorization, Findings of Fact, Purpose and Methods, Section 8.24.020 Definitions, and Section 8.24.070 Storm Water Storage Facilities.
John Corella, Director of Public Works, provided the presentation.
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
Mayor Gregory opened the Public Hearing to receive public comments, seeing none, he closed the Public Hearing and returned discussion to the City Council.
M.O. 2026-81
A motion was made by Councilmember Gordon and seconded
by Councilmember Lamb to introduce and provide first reading, by title only, and waive further reading of an ordinance amending Cathedral City Municipal Code Chapter 8.24, Floodplain Management, including Section 8.24.010 Statutory Authorization, Findings of Fact, Purpose and Methods, Section
8.24.020 Definitions, and Section 8.24.070 Storm Water Storage Facilities.
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
SECONDER: Rita Lamb, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
5. LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
A. Annual Renewal of the Lighting and Landscaping District Budget for Fiscal Year 2026/2027
Recommendation: City Council adopt three Resolutions to renew the annual assessments with Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 (Zones 1 through 54, non-sequential).
Kevin Biersack, Director of Financial Services, provided the presentation.
The City Council had no questions or formal discussion.
Reso 2026-12
Reso 2026-13
Reso 2026-14
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to adopt three Resolutions to renew the annual assessments with Street Lighting and Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 (Zones 1 through 54, non-sequential).
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
B. First Reading of an Ordinance to Add Chapter 11.21 to Title 11 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to Prohibit and Regulate Fireworks within the City
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Introduce and waive further reading of Ordinance No. ___, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, adding Chapter 11.21 to Title 11 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to prohibit and regulate fireworks within the City; and
2. Find that adoption of Ordinance No. __ is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15060(c)(3) and, alternatively, is exempt from CEQA pursuant to the common sense exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
The City Council asked clarifying questions, which were responded to by staff.
M.O. 2026-82
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Gutierrez and seconded by Councilmember Gordon to:
1. Introduce and waive further reading of Ordinance No. ___, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Cathedral City, California, adding Chapter 11.21 to Title 11 of the Cathedral City Municipal Code to prohibit and regulate fireworks within the City; and
2. Find that adoption of Ordinance No. __ is not a “project” under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15060(c)(3) and, alternatively, is exempt from CEQA pursuant to the common sense exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3).
RESULT: PASS
MOVER: Ernesto Gutierrez, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Christina Gordon, Councilmember
AYES: Ross, Gregory, Gutierrez, Lamb, Gordon
6. DISCUSSION ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to agendize an item for a future meeting to discuss the AB 1775 related to cannabis cafes.
7. CLOSED SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Raymond Gregory adjourned the Regular meeting at 8:13 p.m.
Mayor, City of Cathedral City City Clerk, City of Cathedral City